Asia & the Pacific Rim

 

Building a Base in for Asia with Asians

A New Partnership. A New Dynamic.

 Why Asia? 

Overview

The many countries which make up Asia, from Kazakhstan in the west and north to Papua New Guinea in the east and south is a vast and diverse region.  In recent years the continent has experienced vibrant economic growth and significant advances in poverty reduction.  While many countries in Asia are well on their way to becoming developed economies; others, meanwhile, struggle to provide basic services and opportunities to their citizens.

Challenges

Ensuring that economic growth is equitable and sustainable remains a challenge throughout Asia. Despite its strong economic growth, the Asia region is home to approximately two-thirds of the world's poor. While literacy rates have improved in the region overall, a large gender gap remains, particularly in South Asia, where literacy and enrollment rates for girls remain low. Rapid industrialization associated with economic growth is straining the region's environmental systems. Urban air pollution levels in the region are among the highest in the world, and the consumption of natural resources is occurring at an unsustainable rate.  Countries in Asia also face unpredictable challenges in the areas of health, natural disasters, and conflict. In Asia, as in many parts of the world, HIV/AIDS is destroying communities and bankrupting social systems. In addition, health systems in the Asia region struggle with the growing global threats of avian influenza, tuberculosis and malaria. Frequent natural disasters,such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan,strain the region's already limited resources. In addition, isolated but ongoing conflicts continue to jeopardize peace, stability and development in the region.  Finally, although respect for political rights and civil liberties has improved in the region overall since 1990, many countries in Asia continue to restrict these rights. Weak governance in parts of Asia contributes to instability that feeds extremism.

Response (EDIT)   

These challenges require innovative programming that emphasizes economic growth, poverty alleviation, education, health, disaster preparedness and democracy to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous region.  Our work in the Asia region will include:

• Protecting goodwill by strengthening ties with countries that share our democratic values and building strong networks including nurturing a civil society on the continent.
• Working with the poor by fostering economic development where reducing poverty is key to peace and security; improving the business climate and economic competitiveness through education endeavors; supporting poverty reduction; and promoting sustained economic growth.
• Developing regional institutions such as Asian Seminary and in Leyte, Philipinnes .
• Promoting sound environmental conservation and energy practices.
• Improving quality of life by educating people and combating infectious diseases and disaster preperation.

Utlizing the multi-year strategic plan that identifies the sectors in which USAID is currently working and estimated levels of funding.  EPPC Global Management will  work in close partnership with U.S. and local non-governmental organizations, private businesses, universities, international organizations and the governments of host countries to achieve long-lasting results. 

 Putting Faith in Action